Dental Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

DENTAL ASSISTANT / EXPANDED FUNCTION DENTAL ASSISTANT

(I, II, III, IV, V, VI

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

There are six levels for the Dental Assistant (DA)/Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) career ladder. After completion of foundational Dental Assistant duties, levels can be completed in any order based upon employee interest, skill set, and business needs. For each additional level achieved, the employee will enhance their position, and compensation will be assigned appropriately.

Dental Assistant I comprises basic dental assisting duties. If the Dental Assistant elects to or is unable to achieve additional levels, the Dental Assistant will be documented as being at level I.

Dental Assistant II, III, IV, V, and IV will be achieved when the Dental Assistant I has been signed off on competencies for an additional level such as radiology licensure, expanded function (restorative or preventative), nitrous oxide certification, or basic front office duties.

Dental Assistant – Foundational Duties

• Prepares patients for the dentist’s complete examination:

-Evaluates the medical/dental history of patients.

-Assists in-patient flow through the clinic and escorts patients to operatory rooms.

- Identifies, analyzes, and resolves patient flow issues.

-Takes the following vitals: Blood pressure, pulse, height, weight, blood glucose, temperature, and SpO2.

-Maintains and reviews patients’ records, charts, and other pertinent information.

• Assists the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures:

-Helps patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental treatment.

-Assists with preparing operatories and tray set-ups for patient examination.

-Smoothly and swiftly transfers required instruments from the tray to the dentist.

-Prepares dental materials, composites, amalgams, cements, impression materials, etc.

• Charts conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
• Makes impressions of patients’ teeth for study casts.

• Assists with answering and responding to the Dental Wi-Fi Phone Line.

• Assists with continuously processing necessary cycles of laundry.
• Assists with maintaining an appropriate inventory of supplies within the Dental Department. Places orders for additional supplies when needed.
• Provides patient education:

-Teaches patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

-Counsels patients about good nutrition and its impact on oral health.

-Provides patients with instructions for oral care following dental treatment procedure.

-Recommends community resources to meet patient and family needs

• Assists with sterilizing instruments as assigned following infection control guidelines.
• Assists with reconciliation of patient referrals.
• Arrives and maintain proper invoices for all lab cases. Ensure correct charges on all invoices prior to approval. Updates patient appointment once lab case has been confirmed as arrived.
• Assists with maintenance of dental equipment (i.e., lab trays, pouring models, etc.).
• Assists with collecting and preparing the biohazard material for removal.
• Checks appointment schedule and assists front desk staff with providers’ patient schedules.
• Remains current in advanced practice changes within area, and where relevant, translates these findings into clinical practice.
• Attends and participates in meetings and in-services as required. Chairs and serves on committees as requested.

• Performs duties in accordance with NH Standards of Conduct and Mission Statement.
• Performs related work as required and other duties (similar physical requirements and OSHA risk level) as assigned.

• Participates in professional development activities and maintains professional affiliations.

Dental Assistant – Radiology Licensure

• Takes dental radiographs.

Dental Assistant – Expanded, Restorative Functions

• Places restorations under the supervision of a dentist.
• Fabricates temporary crowns and bridges under the supervision of a dentist.
• Packs retraction cords under the supervision of a dentist.
• Places dental sealants under the supervision of a dentist.

Dental Assistant – Expanded, Preventative Functions

Completes coronal polishing under the supervision of a dentist.

• Applies topical fluoride varnish and/or silver diamine fluoride under the supervision of a dentist.

Dental Assistant – Nitrous Oxide Certified

• Delivers nitrous oxide, when appropriate/indicated, under the direct supervision of a Dentist.

Dental Assistant – Front Office Foundational Duties

• Obtains and enters new patient demographics and updates patient information, as necessary, in the EHR to maintain accuracy.
• Researches, enters, and updates all information needed to complete the billing process. This involves verifying income for self-pay patients, verifying insurance and Medicaid coverage, and verifying eligibility to various programs that affect the Billing process.
• Collects all co-pays, balances, and pre-payments as required by office policies. Distributes copies of receipts to patients. Understands and can apply payments to balances.
• Balances charges and receipts at end of each shift.
• Preps accounts.
• Enters preferred pharmacy information.
• Schedules appointments according to clinic policy and provider notes, including walk-in patients, and requests over the phone. Enters appointment into online scheduling system appropriately.
• Calls patients to preregister and confirm appointments, as needed, including updating demographic and pay source information.
• Completes recall reminders.

REQUIRED SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Clinical—demonstrates a working knowledge and skill in the dental assisting process and treatment room procedures; maintains knowledge of, and acts in accordance with, current NHC policies and procedures.
• Problem Solving – identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; reacts calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Interpersonal skills—builds relationships with patients and colleagues; realizes the importance of, and practices, good customer service; remains open to others’ ideas and exhibits willingness to try new things; maintains friendly and supportive relationships with coworkers; talks through problems to keep channels of communication open and maintain a high level of trust; maintains confidentiality; and able to communicate effectively and build collaborative, supportive relationships with people of varying cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, languages, and educational levels.
• Oral communication – speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; demonstrates group presentation skills.
• Written communication – edits work for spelling and grammar, presents numerical data effectively and is able to read and interpret written information.
• Planning/organizing —prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently.
• Quality control – understands the importance of compliance standards; pays close attention to accuracy and detail when performing duties.
• Adaptability – adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing demands and is able to deal with frequent changes, delays, or unexpected events.
• Dependability – consistently at work on time; follows instructions, responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve performance.
• Safety and security – actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures; uses equipment and materials properly.
• Information Technology/Dental Equipment – proficient in the use of computers and other dental equipment/instruments to administer patient care and accurately retrieve/record patient data.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education / Training

Dental Assistant – Foundational Duties

Graduate of an accredited Dental Assistant Program preferred but not required.

Dental Assistant – Radiology Licensure

Graduate of an accredited Dental Assistant Program preferred but not required. Completion of DANB Radiation Health and Safety program and exam required.

Dental Assistant – Expanded Functions, Restorative

Graduate of an accredited Dental Assistant Program preferred but not required. Completion of an Expanded Restorative Functions Dental Assistant course approved by the Indiana State Board of Dentistry preferred but not required.

Dental Assistant – Expanded Functions, Preventative

Graduate of an accredited Dental Assistant Program preferred but not required. Certificate of Completion of Coronal Polishing/Fluoride Varnish Application course approved by Indiana State Board of Dentistry required

Dental Assistant – Nitrous Oxide Certification

Graduate of an accredited Dental Assistant Program preferred but not required. Certificate of Completion of a course in Nitrous Oxide sedation approved by the Indiana State Board of Dentistry required.

Dental Assistant – Front Office Foundational Duties

Graduate of an accredited Dental Assistant Program preferred but not required.

Experience

Experience in a clinical setting preferred. Computer experience preferred. Knowledge of dental terminology preferred. Experience with electronic medical/dental record software preferred.

Licensure/Certification

Dental Assistant – Foundational Duties

Obtain CPR upon hire.

Dental Assistant – Radiology Licensure

Obtain CPR upon hire. Hold an active Indiana Dental Radiographer license or obtain within six months of eligibility.

Dental Assistant – Expanded Functions, Restorative

Obtain CPR upon hire. Hold Preventative Functions Dental Assistant certification or complete applicable training within six months of eligibility.

Dental Assistant – Expanded Functions, Preventative

Obtain CPR upon hire. Hold Coronal Polishing/Fluoride Varnish Application certification or obtain within six months of eligibility.

Dental Assistant – Nitrous Oxide Certification

Obtain CPR upon hire. Obtain Nitrous Oxide Sedation Certification within six months of eligibility.

Dental Assistant – Front Office Foundational Duties

Obtain CPR upon hire.

Physical Requirements

Prolonged standing, walking, and sitting, some stooping, bending, and stretching. Requires full range of body motion, manual dexterity, and eye-hand coordination sufficient to handle and assist patients. Requires ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 35 lbs. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate reports. Requires ability to work under stressful conditions. Requires exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.

Work Environment

Normal dental office environment. Work may include irregular hours, including evenings and weekends. Involves frequent contact with other staff, doctor’s offices, patients, and the public. Contact may involve working with sick, angry, or upset people. Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to a clinic environment. OSHA Category I - Tasks involve contact with blood or body substances.